This game had been eight and a half years in the making with Liverpool having promised to play a friendly against Brondby as part of the deal when they signed Agger for £6million in January 2006.

The long-serving Reds centre-back, who captained the Reds against his former club, was granted a hero's reception. He was presented with flowers before kick-off and the home fans chanted his name vociferously.

Rodgers went with a 4-1-4-1 formation with Lucas in the holding role. Suso and Teixeria operated on the flanks with Coutinho and Rossiter in the central roles behind Borini.

Coutinho was the Reds' standout performer during a first half when he showcased the dazzling talent which Luiz Felipe Scolari mysteriously overlooked for Brazil's World Cup squad.

Twice, in the early stages Coutinho's breathtaking skill and ability to pick a pass released Borini but the Italian wasn't able to take advantage.

Suso cut inside from the right before seeing his swerving left-footer pushed behind by Lukas Hradecky and then Coutinho weaved his way into space 20 yards out but fired wide.

Rodgers was forced into a reshuffle when Ilori limped off midway through the first half. The manager turned to youngster Kevin Stewart, who only joined the Reds' youth ranks a fortnight ago after he was released by Tottenham.

Brondby had barely threatened but they were gifted the lead in the 23 minute.